first thing always is FIT FIT FIT. I don't know much about Konas as a line... tho I do ride one of thier top end FS bikes. Got a link to the speficic bike that you can post? Again, I will reiterate that Giant has the repitation for the most bang for the buck in entry level mtbs. As I told Bounceswoosh somewere... If you stick with a reputable manufacturer and a real bike shop, there are probably no bad bikes. It's when you shop at Costco or Walmart or Gart ( or any non-bike specialty store) that you really can make a mistake.

irulan